Born posthumously on 21st February 1886 into a Hindu priestly family, he was raised by his mother in the little town of Nanjangud. Unable to afford a college education in the few science colleges in existence then, he chose to study Ayurveda when he won a scholarship to the Govt. Ayurvedic College in Mysore.  After his graduation he interned at a local Ayurvedic pharmacy gaining invaluable professional and business experience from mentoring provided by its owner Sri Palyam Venkatachala Pundit.

After graduation he moved to Nanjangud in 1913 to start his own Ayurvedic practice and pharmaceutical company.  Sadvaidyasala (SVL) was established with his mother, wife, and a trusted assistant helping him manufacture the medicines.  His competence as a doctor, ability to empathize with patients and pleasing personality combined with the excellent quality of SVL’s drugs paved the way for the tremendous success that followed.

 To address specific needs of patients, communities and critical times he innovatively formulated new Ayurvedic medicines.  Srikara Panchavati, Jayamagala rasa and Mrityunjayarasa, for instance, were effectively used during influenza and plague epidemics while Maleriyari proved useful in managing Malaria.  His Nanjangud Tooth Powder, based on incinerated paddy husk, provided inexpensive dental care for the masses and became a great commercial success all over India for over fifty years.  Over the course of his career he created over one hundred proprietary Ayurvedic drugs. 

A philanthropist by nature he built a charitable hospital and a traditional residential Sanskrit school, was chiefly instrumental in the development of elementary and secondary schools in the town, and provided scholarships to hundreds of young girls and boys for their education.  An avid sportsman, he established the town’s Tennis and Soccer clubs.  Annually he funded and organized at least ten music and traditional arts performances in which local and national artists participated and which were freely open to the public. 

 

 

 

 

 

Laurels Won by B.V.P                                                                                                                        

                                                                     Installed during B.V.P Centenary Celebrations - 1987

His professional and philanthropic work won accolades from numerous organizations and individuals.  Among the awards he received are: a silver plaque from the Maharaja of the erstwhile Mysore state Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and several medals won at various trade fairs in Mysore and other states.  

For all his success he remained a simple, loving and caring person.  Living by his philosophy - that just as every plant in the world has some medicinal value, every person has something valuable to offer; we should work to bring out the valuable in each other – he endeared himself to all who came to know him.  

 

HISTORY OF B.V.PUNDIT AND SADVAIDYASALA